Hi,

I have a question for all Camry Hybrid users. When I am in EV mode, does shifting my transmission to B start the engine?

Thanks!

 

Naw, just put her in F !

 

No. In "B", the engine turns, but it is being powered by the wheels.

The "B" mode is for "engine Braking", and is intended for going down long grades. If you use only the regular brakes for going down a very long grade, it can overheat the brakes. To avoid this, drivers of traditional gas vehicles use a low gear so the engine friction would absorb the energy instead of the brakes. The "B" mode just simulates that traditional usage.

Basically, if you live in the mountains west of Denver, you will need to use B mode.

 

B mode engages engine. Engine turns "passively" with throttle closed and allegedly no fuel supplied to it. That's the noise you here, engine spun.
So, in a manner of speech, B does "start" the engine, but on the other hand, no, it does not start it, as in "no combustion" is being initiated. It is strictly inertia braking.